It takes skill to balance the complex flavours of coffee in a cocktail, but London’s mixologists are more than up to the challenge. From the classic espresso Martini to some more unusual caffeinated concoctions, here are seven coffee cocktails you need to try.
Let’s start with a classic – the espresso Martini. At London Grind, they make theirs with Reyka vodka, a little sugar, and their house espresso blend which is freshly roasted each day. It’s an excellent way to unwind after work or to refuel after a stroll around nearby Borough Market. If you’re hungry, assemble a feast from the all-day menu – cheese and charcuterie perhaps? Or sharing plates like salt cod croquettes and fresh burrata with heritage tomatoes.
(Santa Teresa Gran Reserva, Ron Zacapa rum, Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, espresso, sugar and nutmeg)
This rum-based tipple is on the menu at Little Bat, the latest addition to the Callooh Callay family. Tucked away at the Highbury end of Upper Street, it’s something of a hidden gem – perfect for low-key first dates or a drink or two after work. There are bar snacks on offer – (hello, bacon salt popcorn) – but if you’re more than peckish, book a table at Upper Street favourites like Galley, Fig & Olive, or Vintage Salt.
(Martini Rosato, Reposado Tequila, Illegal Mezcal, Strawberry, Ratafia, Coffee Liqueur, Chipotle Bitters)
Inspired by both Italian and Mexican flavours, this complex cocktail is served in the Art Deco surroundings of the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy. It’s accompanied by an ‘edible shot’ of freeze-dried raspberries and chocolate coffee beans to prepare the palate. If you’re feeling decadent – (it’s hard not to when you’re sipping cocktails at The Savoy) – why not dine in style at The Savoy Grill or enjoy a seafood supper at Kaspar’s?
Guests at the bar at Jason Atherton’s award-winning City Social can enjoy Black to the Future, a futuristic take on the espresso martini. Instead of coffee, the bar team blend Mr Black coffee liqueur with Aylesbury Duck vodka and a dash of soy sauce to create a cocktail more akin to a dirty vodka martini. In a nod to the cocktail’s movie namesake, the drink is garnished with an OUTATIME number plate.
With its slick service and extensive all-day menu, this modern British brasserie never fails to impress. You can pop in for a lunchtime salad, treat a friend to brunch, or linger over classic dishes like shepherd’s pie or chicken Milanese. They serve their espresso Martini with crème brûlée, amaretto and hot cross bun infusions on the side so you can give it your own unique twist. It’s also available at The Ivy Café in Wimbledon, while The Ivy Market Grill serves an excellent salted caramel version.
(Bourbon, cold drip coffee, sweet vermouth, Chartreuse, Terry’s Chocolate Orange bitters)
Tired of the classics? At The Cocktail Trading Company, they use unusual ingredients and serve up cocktails in tin cans, tea cups and wellington boots. Their Handy Nightcap combines two of our favourite things, bourbon and coffee, to create the perfect after-dinner tipple. Keep this place in mind for drinks before dinner at Lyle’s or Pizza East.
(Plantation overproof rum, Koko Kanu, coffee liqueur, pineapple and lemon)
Get the party started with a Voodoo Mama at this colourful South American bar in Brixton. The coffee liqueur adds a grown-up kick to the fruity rum-based drink. You can dance the night away to their Latin soundtrack or soak up those cocktails with some snacks from their street food-inspired menu. There’s ceviche, pork belly sliders, and fried chicken served with their secret panca chilli dip.
Have we missed a killer coffee cocktail? Let us know in the comments.
